Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to a number of government and nonprofit agencies that advance the cause of criminal justice in this state. The Raise the Age Act recently went through the Louisiana Senate, rerouting 17-year-old offenders to the juvenile justice system (U.S. News, 2018). This act aims to improve the juvenile justice system in a number of ways. The plan may strengthen the education system, give juvenile suspects access to counsel, and let more nonviolent offenders serve out their sentences at home.

Can an associate degree in criminal justice help you reach your professional goals? Find out now by contacting schools below.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Louisiana

When it comes to earning a criminal justice associate degree, Louisiana students have a variety of options to consider. There are many highly specialized degree programs within this field, including those that are rarely available in other states.

Some associate-level criminal justice programs include legal systems, medicolegal death investigation, law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice administration. One of these degree options may be a viable option for you if you are extremely clear on your intended career path. Once you’ve selected a program, become familiar with its overall goals by looking at curricular outline and learning outcomes.

Course requirements are extremely varied, since criminal justice is such a large field.

In a medicolegal death investigation program, you may take courses like:

• Evidence and Procedure
• Juvenile Justice
• Criminal Law
• State and Local Government
• Criminal Investigation
• Medical Ethics and Law
• Accident Investigation
• Pathophysiology

Criminal justice AA programs are capable of fitting a lot of education into a short-term program. You must earn at least 60 credits to be eligible for an associate degree, but each school sets its own credit requirements beyond that.

Louisiana averages for getting your Criminal Justice degree are listed below:

• Timeframe: 2 to 2.5 years
• Credits: 60 to 72 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $4,136 (College Board, 2018-2019)

The school you choose influences the type and amount of practical experience you receive. You may want to select a program with strong ties to the criminal justice community, since an internship can be extremely valuable when you begin your job search. Courses based in forensic science and investigation may require lab time.

Scholarships and grants are available at the school, state, and federal levels. Apply early and often to avoid missing any deadlines. The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program is a popular choice for those who plan on going into law enforcement.

What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree in Louisiana?

Depending on the work environment that best suits you, you may consider open positions at a number of Louisiana criminal justice agencies. On top of police departments, correctional facilities, and legal agencies, consider buildings that hire security guards, transportation facilities, and law offices.

As a bailiff, you can escort suspects and witnesses into and out of the courtroom. Louisiana bailiffs bring in an average income of $49,720 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Through 2030, demand for bailiffs may swell 3% in Louisiana (CareerOneStop, 2022).

Transportation security screeners ensure that airplanes and other forms of transportation are kept same from weapons, bombs, and other threats. The average salary for a Louisiana transportation security screener is $46,340 annually (BLS, 2022). Job openings in this specialty should remain steady through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

Policing is an important area of focus in criminal justice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that patrol officers earn an average of $45,310 per year (2022). CareerOneStop expects job openings to jump 9% by 2030 (2022).

Louisiana residents and visitors deserve safety and peace of mind. With a criminal justice associate degree, you may be ready to apply for jobs that allow you to keep your community safe.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Louisiana contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Talk to an expert about the right degree for you by contacting Louisiana schools below.